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207-Public Hearings

207-Public Hearings
Rationale Date Approved/Revised

The school board recognizes the importance of obtaining public input on matters properly before the school board.  The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures to efficiently receive public input.

Adopted: 12/14/10
Revised: 5/21/19
Revised: 6/21/22
Revised:  8/20/24

1)  General Statement of Policy

For the school board to efficiently receive public input on matters properly before the school board, the school board establishes the procedures set forth in this policy are established.

2)  Procedures

a.      Public Hearings

Public hearings are required by law concerning certain issues, including but not limited to, school closings (Minn. Stat. § 123B.51), education district establishment (Minn. Stat. § 123A.15), and agreements for secondary education (Minn. Stat. § 123A.30).  Additionally, other public hearings may be held by the school board on school district matters at the discretion of the school board.

b.      Notice of Public Hearings

Public notice of a public hearing required by law shall be given as provided by the enabling legislation.  Public notice of other hearings shall be given in the manner required for a regular meeting if held in conjunction with a regular meeting, in the manner required for a special meeting if held in conjunction with a special meeting, or as otherwise determined by the school board.

c.      Public Participation

The school board retains the right to require that those in attendance at a public hearing indicate their desire to address the school board and complete and file with the clerk of the school board an appropriate request card prior to commencement of the hearing in the school board utilizes this procedure.  In that case, any request to address the school board after the commencement of the hearing will be granted only at the school board’s discretion.

1.                Format of Request:  If required by the school board, a written request of an individual or a group to address the school board shall contain the name of the person or group seeking to address the school board.  It shall also contain the name of the group represented, if any, and a brief statement of the subject to be covered or the issue to be addressed.

2.                Time Limitation:  The school board retains the discretion to limit the time for each presentation as needs dictate.

3.                Groups:  The school board retains the discretion to require that any group of persons who desire to address the school board designate one representative or spokesperson.  If the school board requires designation of a representative or spokesperson, no other person in the group will be recognized to address the school board, except as the school board otherwise determined.

4.                Privilege to Speak:  Only those speakers recognized by the chair will be allowed to speak.  Comments by others are out of order.  Individuals who interfere with or interrupt speakers, the school board, or the proceedings may be directed to leave.

5.                Personal Attacks:  Personal attacks by anyone addressing the school board are unacceptable.  Persistence in such remarks by an individual shall terminate that person’s privilege to address the school board.

6.                Limitations on Participation:  Depending upon the number of persons in attendance seeking to be heard, the school board reserves the right to impose such other limitations and restrictions as necessary to provide an orderly, efficient, and fair opportunity to be heard.

Adoption and Revision History

Incorporated Policies

G-034 PUBLIC HEARINGS

This Policy Adopted: Dec. 14, 2010

MSBA 207

 

207 PUBIC HEARINGS

This Policy Revised:  May 21, 2019

Revised:  June 21, 2022; August 20, 2024

 

Legal References:       Minn. Stat. § 123A.15 (Establishing Education District)

  Minn. Stat. § 123A.30 (Agreements for Secondary Education)

  Minn. Stat. § 123B.51 (Schoolhouses and Sites; Uses for School and                Nonschool Purposes; Closings) 

 

Cross References:      MSBA/MASA Model Policy 206 (Public Participation in School Board                                                      Meetings/Complaints about Persons at School Board Meetings and Data                                              Privacy Considerations)